5 Steps to Prevent Bed Bugs After Traveling

Traveling is one of the most common ways bed bugs spread from one location to another. Whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or an Airbnb, it’s important to take steps to prevent bringing bed bugs home with you. Here are five key steps you can follow to protect yourself from bed bugs after your travels.

1. Inspect Your Hotel Room Upon Arrival

Before settling in, take a few minutes to inspect your hotel room for bed bugs. Focus on the following areas:

  • Mattress Seams: Pull back the bed sheets and check the seams and crevices of the mattress for any bed bug signs such as stains, molted skins, or live bugs.
  • Headboard and Bed Frame: Bed bugs often hide in cracks behind the headboard or along the bed frame.
  • Furniture: Check couches, chairs, and even behind wall hangings or picture frames for signs of an infestation.

2. Keep Luggage Elevated

To reduce the chance of bed bugs crawling into your luggage, always store it on a luggage rack, not on the floor or bed. Bed bugs are less likely to reach your belongings if they’re elevated. Keeping your suitcase zipped when not in use also helps prevent bed bugs from sneaking in.

3. Use Plastic Bags for Your Clothes

Pack your clothes in sealable plastic bags or travel storage cubes. This adds an extra layer of protection against bed bugs that might be hiding in hotel drawers or closets. Once you return home, immediately wash all your clothes in hot water to kill any potential bed bugs.

4. Inspect and Clean Your Luggage After Returning Home

When you return from your trip, inspect your suitcase thoroughly before bringing it into your home. Look for signs of bed bugs in the seams and pockets. For added protection, vacuum your luggage inside and out. Consider storing your suitcase in a sealed plastic bag when not in use.

5. Wash and Dry Clothes on High Heat

Even if you didn’t notice any signs of bed bugs during your travels, it’s best to be cautious. Wash all your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat immediately after returning home. High temperatures are effective at killing bed bugs and their eggs.

By following these simple steps after traveling, you can significantly reduce your chances of bringing bed bugs into your home. Remember, prevention is key, but if you suspect that bed bugs have made their way into your space, reach out to a local bed bug exterminator for help.